Effacement is just a word to describe the thinning out process of your uterus at the cervix. When you get ready for labour your cervix begins to efface and then you dilate and then you eventually deliver. 50% effaced means you're progressing well. Half way thinned out is pretty encouraging. However; my OB GYN won't even check me in these last few weeks for effacement even though I know some Dr's will. She says she won't because even if I were fully effaced it doesn't always indicate birth being emminent anyhow. Some women walk areound 4cm dilated or more for weeks but still experience no active labour and then they have to wait even longer or even be induced because they are going too far over their due dates~ Imagine that! So be patient. No one has a crystal ball. I wish I did too here at 40 weeks.

Just looking up and checking having more grandchildren very very soon. One thing I remember ladies, is I walked around carrying my last child 5 and one half centimeters dilated for 2 weeks. Me didn't have a clue til the doc said something. I was ready and softened or ripe, don't remember how much though, but doc thought would have baby in the car if I carried on too long. I was induced and within 45 minutes a baby son was born. With my first I was 2 weeks over so when you are ready you are ready. To be 50% effaced is half way there and if you are dilated, cause first baby usually need to be effaced first could be the start of something or not. It just means cervix is half ripen or soften to be ready to dilate fully and allow the baby to pa__s a softer way out.